Richard Gill to be honoured through music festival and library

Monday, 26 November 2018

Inner West Council will convene a meeting of Australian music luminaries and prominent cultural organisations to facilitate the establishment of a music festival to commemorate Australian musical icon Richard Gill in his home suburb of Stanmore.

Council has also resolved to name its new music instrument lending library after Mr Gill.

Mr Gill, who passed away last month, was an internationally renowned classical conductor who dedicated his life to teaching and advocating for music education in Australia.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said that Mr Gill had left an amazing legacy of musical enrichment for all Australians that should be celebrated.

“The depth of Richard's impact in the musical world was demonstrated poignantly when more than 70 musicians came together outside his Stanmore home to play his favourite piece on the day before he died,” Byrne said.

“Musicians would gather each day in the old part of Lyon and rock bands, soloists, classical ensembles and even first-timers would perform while listeners flooded the local streets, shops and restaurants. Richard and Simon envisaged holding a similar event in Stanmore.

“Unfortunately, they weren’t able to progress the proposal, but since Richard’s passing there has been an outpouring of support from local musicians and cultural organisations for this festival to be created in honour of Richard and his legacy. Together we can make it happen."

Mr Gill’s career encompassed a wide variety of roles including:

Music director of the Sydney Youth Orchestra

Director of chorus at Opera Australia

Music director of the Sydney Chamber Choir.

Artistic director and chief conductor of the Canberra Symphony

Co-founder and artistic director of the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra

Founding conductor of the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra.

Inner West Council will hold a meeting of interested organisations to talk about ways in which Council can support the artistic community to make the festival a reality.

For further information please contact John Roper on 0414 647 909 or 9392 5914